Karl-Anthony Towns missed Friday night's game against the Nets due to a knee injury sustained in Wednesday's game against Chicago, but Jericho Sims was inserted into the starting lineup.
But Sims played just 17 minutes in a close win over the Nets at Madison Square Garden, as a new piece of the Knicks' puzzle appeared for the first time in Ariel Hakpolty.
The 6-foot-11 rookie logged over 30 minutes and scored his first seven points in the NBA.
Hukporti also had a team-high four blocks and four rebounds, including the game-clinching rebound after blocking Mikal Bridges' shot in the final seconds.
November 15th. Jason Suzens of the New York Post
Asked after the win what he liked about the 22-year-old Hukporti, Tom Thibodeau said, “Just the energy.”
The head coach didn't need to say much about Hukporti's performance, as the way the rookie was used spoke volumes.
If he wasn't happy, Hukporti wouldn't have played nearly twice as much as Sims going into his fourth season.
Hukporti's teammates were even more enthusiastic.
“His energy was great,” Josh Hart said. “He had a screen presence, he protected the rim, he bounced the ball, he made deflections.” [and] He runs the court. ”
It was Hukporti's most productive game as a Knick to date, as he primarily served as a third center behind Towns and Sims.
But with Towns out, Mitchell Robinson also out with an ankle injury and Precious Achiuwa (hamstring) out, the Knicks turned to Hukporti, the No. 58 pick in the draft earlier this year.
Despite Hukporti's lack of experience, it's understandable why the German is attracted to Thibodeau. He fits the profile of a rim protector that managers like.
But one thing Thibodeau tends not to like is using players who aren't veterans.
Hart said that could be a difficult issue for Hukporti.
“Now, the big thing for a rookie is what's hard for him is to keep the energy up,” Hart said. “And don't get complacent, but I don't think he will. And we're going to hold him accountable. You guys just got a glimpse of what he's capable of, and he's going to take it even further. He has to develop, but we're excited about his talent. He's going to be a big asset for us.”
Hukporti was slowed down by a torn meniscus before the draft, which seemed to affect his preseason movement, but that's no longer an issue.
Still, Friday's break came as something of a surprise. Hukporti is coming off a three-game winning streak from the DNP, having played just eight minutes in the past eight games after logging a career-high 11 minutes against Cleveland on Oct. 28.
Jalen Brunson said the increased time on the court helped Hukporti's “rhythm.”
“He looked really good outside,” Brunson said. “He made the most of his opportunity. We are proud of him.”
How this translates into Sunday's game against the Nets at the Garden will largely depend on Towns' availability.
In any case, Hukporti will be looking to build on Friday.
He admitted he was “a little nervous” near the end of the game, his first big moment in the NBA.
“I think that's normal for a rookie,” Hukporti said.
But he also cited his previous professional experience, which includes stints in Australia, Germany and Lithuania, as a reason he felt comfortable on the court.
“I still have to work on a lot of things,” Hukporti said. “Learn from my mistakes and keep moving forward.”
